The Mysterious Makings of a "Good" College
As an experienced educator spanning K12 and higher education, I believe that the college application process is often oversimplified by focusing solely on specific figures to determine a school's quality. Students often look at stats like acceptance rates, average SAT scores, and other admissions data to determine whether a college is worth applying to or not. While these numbers can be useful in helping students determine their chances of getting in, they don't necessarily reflect the quality of education students receive once they enroll.
It's important to remember that these numbers measure the students getting in, not the education going out. A school may have a low acceptance rate and high average SAT scores, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a "good" school. Similarly, a school with a higher acceptance rate and lower average SAT scores may still provide an excellent education.
So, what should define a "good" school? In my opinion, there are three main criteria that should be considered: access, opportunities, and outcomes.
The Successful College Framework
Access
College access rests on high school students being prepared academically for higher education and completing the college entry process. Access plays a pivotal role in improving lives. By enrolling more students, institutions are contributing to the growth of the economy, as graduates often bring new skills and knowledge to the workforce. This leads to better job opportunities and higher salaries, which in turn improves their financial well-being. Additionally, these graduates are typically more productive and efficient in their jobs, contributing to the growth of the companies and industries they work in.
Opportunities
College provides a unique opportunity to learn both hard and soft skills that are highly valued in the workforce. In addition to these skills, college student often have more diverse experiences and exposure to different perspectives. This allows them to bring unique ideas and problem-solving approaches to the workplace and life in general. Additionally, many colleges offer career services and networking events, providing students with connections and resources to help them succeed in their chosen career paths.
Outcomes
Outcomes refer to the success of the institution's graduates, both in terms of employment and further education. A college that prepares its students for successful careers or graduate programs is a good school. Outcomes should also include measures of student satisfaction with their education and their preparedness for their future careers.
Celebrating Success: Why Highlighting “GOOD” Colleges is Essential
It's time to assess our colleges and ask ourselves: Are they making strides in the areas of access, opportunities, and outcomes for a diverse student population?
Some higher education institutions are performing exceptionally well, and we must spotlight these schools. By highlighting “good” colleges, we can encourage other institutions to follow in their footsteps. When we focus solely on the negative statistics, it can be easy to become discouraged and assume that all colleges are struggling. But when we showcase successful schools, we inspire hope and give other colleges something to work towards.
Moreover, focusing on good colleges helps students make more informed decisions about where to apply. Instead of being swayed by a college's name or perceived reputation, students can look to institutions with a proven track record of success regarding access, opportunities, and outcomes. This will lead to more students attending colleges where they are more likely to succeed academically and financially.
As teachers, counselors, administrators, or student affairs professionals, we must become more intentional about which schools we deem as "good” by:
Focusing on schools that make a significant impact in our communities. These institutions should prioritize access and affordability while also providing a top-notch education to a diverse student population, including students from historically underserved backgrounds such as first-gen, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income subgroups. By highlighting these schools, we can send a message to students that access, opportunities, and outcomes are essential criteria for evaluating educational institutions.
Encouraging other schools to adopt these values by promoting schools that prioritize access, opportunities, and outcomes. By highlighting high-performing schools, we can support more schools in becoming the model for the future of education. Altogether this can lead to a wider cultural shift in the education system.
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